 Rudy
Rudy’s past is a mystery. He was a stray found wandering the
central Minnesota countryside wearing an ancient greasy black
cracked leather collar and no tags. Mark, the county animal control
officer who picked him up, had never even seen a wheaten before, and
had to do a bit of research before placing an ad on PetFinder.com in
an effort to find Rudy a home. When WIN volunteer, Rob Horgan,
spotted the ad, I offered to drive out to visit Rudy. Rudy was
happily settled into “farm” life at Mark’s house—lots of room to
roam ---chickens, horses, kids and an assortment of other dogs, and
he got to be an inside dog at night. And though Mark and Tama had
become attached to him, they had a steady stream of homeless dogs in
their lives and simply could not care for Rudy long term.
 Rudy greeted us with enthusiasm, and immediately jumped into my
son, Colin’s van, and was eager to go with us….he was a typical
wheaten, full of kisses and that twinkle in his eyes, but he had, as
Colin put it “a smile only a mother could love.” Many of Rudy‘s
teeth were missing, and most of the remaining ones were broken or
had been filed off. He walked stiffly, his ears were infected, his
was coat matted, and we all believed him to be at least 10+ years
old. Still he was the sweetest most trusting grateful soul I ever
met. After getting approval to take Rudy into the WIN program, I
brought him home. He patiently endured a long bath, revealing
calloused sores on his “forearms” probably from being kenneled on
concrete for long periods, but he licked my cheek the whole time I
was cleaning him up. A trip to the vet started treatment for his
ears—and a plan to get some oral surgery done soon thereafter. Rudy
was an angel on the grooming table, and what emerged was a very
handsome wheaten –and estimates from vets and the groomer that he
may even be as young as 6-8 years---but 6-8 hard years!
Within a couple of days, Rudy was accepting my two-year old,
Blue’s invitation to join him in games of chase. A week later, Rudy
was WURLed to WIN volunteer, Tina Thomas, near Chicago who resumed
the “patch Rudy up” project.. Rudy was neutered, began treatment for
a thyroid disorder (cause of his stiffness, dry coat and fatigue)
and had oral surgery to remove a tooth and prevent infection into
his jaw—yet he always reacted with unfaltering gratefulness, dignity
and trust…and he continued to leave “paw prints on hearts” wherever
he went.
  Meanwhile, 80+ year old Marion, who lives in the Chicago area and
who had a long history of dogs in her life, had been patiently
waiting for a new wheaten companion, was becoming more and more
excited about Rudy. When Rudy was ready to go to his forever home
with Marion, Tina had fallen love with the Rudy as well and parting
with him was not without tears. Today, Rudy is Marion’s constant
companion. The two are active and go for regular walks. Marion is
devoted to Rudy and says he is the “best dog she ever had” and has
made friends with everyone they meet. He has become the light of her
life and Marion’s only complaint is that he is a bit of a bed
hog!!WIN volunteers, Dee Robbins and Tina Thomas check in on them
regularly, and I am told that until Rudy flashes that toothless
smile, you would not recognize him as the “old Rudy.” Rudy’s past
will probably always remain a mystery, but his future is bright. He
was truly a “wheaten in need” and the trail he left through my life
has been a bit of a gift in itself.
Lois Wolf
Cold Spring, MN
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